Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Usually, too much sun causes bleaching or brown spots rather than yellowing. If your plant is in full sun, it is likely happy.

Pink Afrikaner: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches deep.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the base and the soil feels soggy to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves fade to a pale yellow color while the veins remain green.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4 weeks during the active growing season. Do not fertilize while the plant is dormant.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pink afrikaner

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and always use well draining potting mix.

Pink Afrikaner: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pink afrikaner and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Usually, too much sun causes bleaching or brown spots rather than yellowing. If your plant is in full sun, it is likely happy.

Why are my Pink Afrikaner's leaves turning yellow?